Ashwagandha, aka Indian Ginseng, is a root that is known for its ability to help the body cope with stress and to relax the nervous system. It improves the immune system, reduces inflammation, and improves sex drive.

Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate soda, is a mineral called nahcolite. It can be found in the water of naturally occurring mineral springs, evaporated lake beds, and ancient saline deposits. Chemically, it is a base that reacts with acids and creates carbon dioxide, which causes it to bubble. Scientific studies have shown baking soda to be anti-bacterial, with the ability to kill streptococcus mutans. This is one of the main germs living in the saliva, plaque, and biofilm of th mouth, which causes cavities. Baking soda effectively removes plaque and whites teeth. Studies have shown that baking soda neutralizes the acidity of cancerous tumors, thereby inhibiting the growth of the tumors. Baking soda can neutralize stomach acid, when there is too much. However, symptoms of reflux and heartburn are often a result of too little stomach acid. Never use baking soda on a full stomach. This can result in gastric rupture. Baking soda has been shown to enhance athletic performance. It reduces the amount of lactic acid in the muscles, which causes muscle fatigue. Studies have shown baking soda enhances muscle mass. Baking soda has been known to treat athlete's foot and other fungal infections. It also stops the itch of the infection as well as bug bites. Simply make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the area for 15 minutes, then rinse. For fungal infections, start at the first sign of infection and repeat daily for several weeks until the infection is gone. Baking soda is an effective deodorant. It can be applied directly to the arm pit while dry or mixed with a small amount of water to make a paste. It doesn't take much to work. As a room deodorizer, simply add a tablespoon of baking soda to a bottle of water and shake. Spray into the air to eliminate odor. Studies have shown that baking soda leads to significant improvement in people with chronic kidney disease and metabolic acidosis. Studies have shown that baking soda can treat most urinary tract infections. Urine is usually acidic in UTIs. Baking soda alkalizes the urine, and eliminates the symptoms. Baking soda has been shown to help with side effects from chemotherapy. Often, chemo patients experience problems in their mouth from the treatment. Mixing baking soda and water, and rinsing, can ease the mouth discomfort. Nail and foot fungus can be treated by soding in water mixed with baking soda. Soak daily for several weeks until the fungus is gone. Soaking in a warm baking soda bath can ease sunburn. Soaking in a baking soda bath detoxifies the body.

Berberine is a compound found in plants like goldenseal, barberry, goldthread, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape. It has been used for centuries in holistic medicine. It is known to lower blood glucose, increase insulin sensitivity, lower lipids in the blood, protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer, regulate heart arrhythmias, and lower blood pressure. Because of its ability to stabilize blood sugar, berberine is known as an effective weight loss remedy. Studies have shown significant loss of body fat when at least 1 gram of berbine is taken daily for at least 8 weeks.

Chamomile has been used for many years for the common cold, flu, and bronchitis. But, there are many other benefits of using chamomile, including relief from indigestion and anxiety. It is mild enough even babies can benefit from it.

Chicory root has a lot of amazing health benefits. Because of its fiber content, it's a prebiotic, which means it feeds the good bacteria in our gut. It is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. It regulates appetite (increasing or decreasing according to need), sugar cravings, blood sugar, supports the liver, relieves constipation, eases osteoarthritis, and prevents colon cancer. It also stimulates bile production, improving digestion. Because of its many health benefits, its dark color, and rich, bold flavor, chicory root is a great alternative to coffee. It's less expensive than most quality, organic coffees, too!

Chrysanthemums, also called mums, are much more than beautiful autumn flowers. They have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and are a good source of essential oils. Chrysanthemums are used for respiratory infections, eye infections, headaches, high blood pressure, fever, and sore throat. They are also known to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer.

In the United States, dandelions are considered a weed, but they are actually a powerful herbal. It is best known for its ability to detoxify the liver. Dandelion also regulates blood sugar, lowers triglycerides, improves digestion by stimulating bile production, and protects against cellular oxidative stress. It is a mild diuretic, protects against viruses, and is gentle enough to be used by pregnant women.

Hawthorn is in the rose family and, for centuries, has been used for heart and circulation problems, digestive issues as well as kidney and bladder problems.

Here in the south, you can't walk outside without seeing a pine tree. Did you know pine needles and pine sap have been used for centuries to heal?

Here in the south, mimosa trees are everywhere. When they are in bloom, their bright pink flowers dress up nearly every roadside. For as long as I can remember, they have been considered a nuisance, but their health benefits are quite impressive. The mimosa is known for its ability to enhance mood, and is known as the "tree of happiness". Studies have shown it has a positive effect on memory and the nervous systems. It is also beneficial for sinus problems, urinary problems, and even hemorrhoids. That would make anybody happy!

Mullein is a medicinal plant known to improve respiratory conditions, like asthma, bronchial congestion, and spasmodic coughs. It helps with skin disorders, throat problems, migraines, and even diarrhea.

Sage is a powerful herb from the mint family, and has been used for centuries to treat pain, heal viruses and infections, help the body create new blood vessels, help manage menopausal symptoms, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress. Scientific studies have shown that sage has medicinal abilities to treat major diseases like obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease, dementia, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and autoimmune disease.  When used as a tea, sage has been known to help with digestive problems, bronchitis, asthma, cough, circulation problems, angina, mouth and throat problems, depression, excessive sweating, and skin diseases. When used as an essential oil, it supports the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system as well as metabolic system and endocrine system. Sage is often burned to "clean the atmosphere" of unclean spirits. Burning sage does not get rid of demons, it actually attracts them. I do not recommend burning sage.

If you live in the south, you have seen the palmetto plant. It grows abundantly here in south Georgia and Florida. Saw Palmetto is known as "old man's friend" . Prostate health, urinary tract health, hair growth, and testosterone balance are just a few of its benefits. Women can also benefit from it, especially those with PCOS and hirsutism. It is also known to improve skin and reduce acne.